Gambling addiction in sport will become 'huge issue'

The new president of the Law Society believes betting companies should be restricted from advertising at sporting events as gambling addiction is 'the greatest unspoken mental illness in the country'. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

The new president of the Law Society believes betting companies should be restricted from advertising at sporting events as gambling addiction is "the greatest unspoken mental illness in the country".

Stuart Gilhooly, solicitor for the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland, has also called for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to be more understanding of athletes who test positive for recreational drugs.

His comments stem from his involvement in the case of former Shelbourne soccer player Craig Walsh, who was banned from playing for a year after testing positive for cocaine.

Mr Walsh, who had a severe gambling addiction, was originally banned for two years, the mandatory minimum term called for under WADA rules.

However, this was reduced after it was found there was "no significant fault or negligence" on his part because his mental health had impaired his judgment.